Things to Do in
Charlotte This Week.
August 31 through September 6, 2026 — Late summer in Charlotte is all about savoring those final warm weekends before fall settles in. Charlotte FC returns home on Saturday night to face Houston Dynamo in a pivotal late-season MLS match at Bank of America Stadium. Kehlani lights up Truliant Amphitheater on Tuesday, Jack Harlow brings his multiplatinum catalog to The Fillmore on Thursday, and the Charlotte Knights play their final homestand of the season against Tri-City. The Whitewater Center extends into a full Labor Day weekend with River Jam concerts, a 5K Trail Race, and all-day adventure activities. Plus: Ballantyne Farmers Market on Wednesday, Sip Shop & Stroll at Charlotte Premium Outlets, and late-summer farmers markets across the metro.
This week marks the transition from peak summer to the beginning of fall in Charlotte. The nights are getting slightly cooler, the produce at the farmers markets is shifting from summer tomatoes toward early apples and squash, and the sense of "let us fit in one more great weekend before fall" is everywhere. Charlotte FC returns home for a crucial match against Houston Dynamo on Saturday night, Kehlani plays Truliant Amphitheater on Tuesday, and Jack Harlow takes over The Fillmore on Thursday. The Whitewater Center is the anchor of Labor Day weekend with River Jam concerts, trail races, and adventure activities. The Charlotte Knights have a weekend homestand against the Tri-City Chili Peppers, and the final farmers markets of the peak season are in full swing. If you are looking for things to do in Charlotte this week, you have plenty of ways to close out summer on a high note.
Monday through Friday.
Kehlani at Truliant Amphitheater, Jack Harlow at The Fillmore, Ballantyne Farmers Market, Charlotte Knights vs Tri-City Chili Peppers with Friday fireworks, River Jam at the Whitewater Center, and the final performances of Dracula at Booth Playhouse.
Labor Day Weekend at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
The Whitewater Center kicks off Labor Day weekend early with extended hours and special programming. River Jam concerts run Friday and Saturday with free live music from 7:00–10:00 PM. Sunday and Monday feature the annual Labor Day Celebration with a 5K/15K Trail Race, slow flow yoga, open flow yoga, and plenty of time on the water. Free admission, $12 parking. The best $12 you will spend all weekend.
Charlotte Knights vs. Tri-City Chili Peppers
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Knights open a weekend series against the Tri-City Chili Peppers with Friday night fireworks. This is one of the last homestands of the 2026 season, so it is your chance to catch Knights baseball under the lights with post-game fireworks lighting up the Uptown skyline. Affordable family fun in one of minor league baseball's best ballparks.
Charlotte Knights vs. Tri-City Chili Peppers
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Knights continue their weekend series against the Chili Peppers on Saturday evening. An intimate ballpark atmosphere with craft beer, great sightlines, and the energy of a weekend night in Uptown. Post-game activities expected.
Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
Bank of America Stadium — 800 S Mint St, Uptown
Charlotte FC returns home to Bank of America Stadium for a late-season MLS match against the Houston Dynamo. With the playoffs approaching, every home match matters. The atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium on a Saturday night is electric — the supporters' section, the marching band, and the roar of the crowd make this one of the best live sports experiences in Charlotte. Check charlottefootballclub.com for tickets.
Kehlani with Durand Bernarr, Isaia Huron & TheARTI$t
Truliant Amphitheater — 707 Pavilion Blvd, University City
R&B star Kehlani brings a stacked lineup to Truliant Amphitheater. Known for albums like "Blue Water Road" and "While We Wait," Kehlani delivers a dynamic live show blending R&B, pop, and neo-soul. Durand Bernarr, Isaia Huron, and TheARTI$t open the evening. Lawn tickets expected from around $35. A perfect late-summer concert under the stars.
Jack Harlow with James Savage
The Fillmore Charlotte — 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd
Louisville rapper Jack Harlow brings his multiplatinum catalog to The Fillmore for an intimate show. "First Class," "What's Poppin'", "Industry Baby," and more hits fill the setlist. This is a smaller venue show for a major artist — tickets will go fast. James Savage opens.
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors
Booth Playhouse — 130 N Tryon St, Uptown
This is the FINAL weekend for Blumenthal Performing Arts' hilarious production of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors. The show closes September 5 after its extended summer run. A fast-paced comedic retelling of the classic horror story. Part comedy, part theater spectacle. Perfect for a date night Uptown before it closes.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
The last River Jam weekends of the summer season. Free outdoor concerts Thursday through Saturday at the USNWC. Raft, kayak, zip line, or bike the trails during the day, then settle in for free live music at night. Food trucks, craft beer, and good vibes. Free admission, $12 parking.
Ballantyne Farmers Market
Ballantyne Village — 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Ballantyne
The Ballantyne Farmers Market runs the first Wednesday of each month through October. Fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and food trucks. September is peak season for late-summer tomatoes, peppers, okra, and sweet corn. A great midweek lunch destination with the whole family.
Sip, Shop & Stroll at Charlotte Premium Outlets
Charlotte Premium Outlets — 5404 New Fashion Ln, Monroe
A free interactive shopping event with complimentary mocktails, a shopping passport, and prize giveaways including gift cards and self-care items. A fun way to kick off Labor Day weekend with deals at outlet prices. Located about 25 minutes southeast of Uptown Charlotte.
Saturday & Sunday.
Charlotte FC vs Houston Dynamo at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Knights vs Tri-City Chili Peppers, River Jam at the Whitewater Center, Sip Shop & Stroll at Charlotte Premium Outlets, and late-summer farmers markets across the metro.
Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
Bank of America Stadium — 800 S Mint St, Uptown
Charlotte FC hosts Houston Dynamo in a pivotal late-season MLS match as the playoffs approach. The Saturday night atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium is unmatched in the Southeast. The supporters' section, the drum line, and thousands of fans in teal and black make this a can't-miss experience. Tickets through Ticketmaster or charlottefootballclub.com.
Charlotte Knights vs. Tri-City Chili Peppers
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Knights play their second game of the weekend series against Tri-City. Saturday night under the lights at Truist Field is one of Charlotte's great summer traditions. Affordable tickets, cold craft beer, and the intimate ballpark experience just steps from Uptown bars. Check milb.com/charlotte-knights for tickets and promotions.
Charlotte Knights vs. Tri-City Chili Peppers — Sunday Finale
Truist Field — 324 S Mint St, Uptown
The Knights wrap up their series against the Chili Peppers with a Sunday afternoon game. A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with affordable tickets and afternoon sunshine. Kids get to run the bases after the game on select Sundays. A perfect way to spend a long weekend afternoon.
Sip, Shop & Stroll at Charlotte Premium Outlets
Charlotte Premium Outlets — 5404 New Fashion Ln, Monroe
Free interactive shopping event with complimentary mocktails, shopping passport with prizes, and gift card giveaways. A great Labor Day weekend activity for bargain hunters. Located about 25 minutes from Uptown in Monroe.
Saturday Farmers Markets — Late Summer Peak
Multiple locations across Charlotte
Peak-season farmers markets continue across the metro. Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8 AM–5 PM, 1801 Yorkmont Rd), Uptown Farmers Market (8 AM–12:30 PM, 300 S Davidson St), Kings Drive Farmers Market (7 AM–3 PM, 939 S Kings Dr), University City Farmers Market (10 AM–2 PM, 6010 Jasmine Lane), and Matthews Farmers Market (8 AM–12 PM, 188 N Trade St). September brings late-summer tomatoes, okra, peppers, muscadine grapes, and the first early fall squash and apples. The Uptown and Kings Drive markets are the largest and most walkable.
River Jam — Saturday Night at the Whitewater Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center — 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Saturday night River Jam at the Whitewater Center. Spend the day on the water or trails, then kick back for free live music as the sun sets. One of Charlotte's best summer traditions, running through late September. Free admission, $12 parking.
Ongoing & recurring.
River Jam at the Whitewater Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Free live concerts Thursday through Saturday evenings through late September. Parking $12. Rafting, zip lines, and mountain biking during the day. Labor Day weekend features special programming.
Carowinds Summer Season Final Weeks
Carowinds, Fort Mill SC
Labor Day weekend is typically the final push before Carowinds transitions to fall/Scarowinds seasonal operation. Get in those last roller coaster rides.
Soul of Charlotte
Stage Door Theater — Uptown
Original production celebrating Charlotte's neighborhoods and spirit. Runs through mid-August.
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors
Booth Playhouse — Uptown
FINAL performances through September 5. Don't miss the last chance to see Blumenthal's hilarious summer production.
Summer Exhibitions at the Mint Museum
Mint Museum Randolph & Uptown
Rotating art and design exhibitions. Check mintmuseum.org for current shows before fall exhibits rotate in.
Don't miss these.
Charlotte FC vs. Houston Dynamo (Saturday, Sep 5)
With the playoffs on the line, this is the soccer match to watch. Bank of America Stadium transforms on match day. Even if you are not a hardcore soccer fan, the atmosphere is worth experiencing. Go early to tailgate at the Uptown lots or grab a pre-match beer at nearby spots like VBGB or Queen City Q.
Labor Day Weekend at the Whitewater Center (Sep 4–7)
The extended holiday weekend is the perfect time to make a full day of it at the USNWC. Raft in the morning, zip line after lunch, catch the River Jam concert in the evening. The Labor Day 5K/15K Trail Race on Monday is a great way to end the weekend.
Kehlani at Truliant Amphitheater (Tuesday, Sep 1)
A Tuesday night concert from one of R&B's most exciting artists. Truliant Amphitheater is at its best in early September — the heat breaks, the humidity drops, and the late-summer evenings are perfect for lawn seating. Kehlani's live show is not to be missed.
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